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The 2017 National Indigenous Music Awards held recently blew an appreciative Darwin audience away at the iconic Amphitheatre as Troy Cassar-Daley, A.B. Original and Electric Fields all took home major awards, showing the breadth across genres of Australian Indigenous talent. Opening with an amazing set from triple j Unearthed winner Baker Boy and closing with a touching tribute to Dr G. Yunupingu and surprise performance from Saltwater Band. It was a night of elation and emotion as generations of Indigenous musicians and their place in Australian culture were celebrated and acknowledged.

A.B. Original took home two trophies for Song and Film Clip of the Year for their modern Australian anthem ‘January 26’ featuring Dan Sultan. A blistering performance of the track was one of the night’s highlights along with special guest Paul Kelly joining A.B. Original and Dan Sultan for their version of ‘Dumb Things’.

The winner of triple j’s Unearthed High Indigenous award was also announced, with Sydney’s Rebecca Hatch taking home the award and the honour of leading the next generation of amazing indigenous music in Australia.

Traditional Music Awards were awarded to the Numbulwar community’s Numburindi Festival 2016, Numbulwar’s Mardayin Skin Ceremony 2016 and the Wangga Complete CD set, while Community Video Clip went to the Halls Creek Indigenous hip hop project’s “Save Our Water (Ngaba)”.

The night ended with a touching tribute to Dr. G Yunupingu including speeches and musical tributes recognizing the life of the National Indigenous Award’s most awarded artist over their nine-year history.

The National Indigenous Music Awards will return in 2018 to continue the campaign to celebrate, nurture and advocate for Indigenous music across Australia and the world.

2017 National Indigenous Music Award WinnersArtist Of The Year: Troy Cassar-DaleySong Of The Year: A.B. Original feat. Dan Sultan – January 26Album Of The Year: Things I Carry Around – Troy Cassar-DaleyNew Talent Of The Year: Electric FieldsFilm Clip Of The Year: A.B. Original feat. Dan Sultan – January 26Triple J Unearthed High Indigenous Award: Rebecca HatchCommunity Music Clip Of The Year: Save the Water (Ngaba): Halls Creek Indigenous Hip Hop Project